REVIEW: Maroulis is stunning in North Shore's 'Jekyll & Hyde'

By Sally Applegate / Correspondent

Tuesday

Oct 2, 2018 at 1:46 PM

'American Idol' alum aces a challenging role at North Shore Music Theatre, with great support from fellow 'Idol' finalist Diana DeGarmo.

The title role of "Jekyll & Hyde" offers a feast of conflicting emotions for the actor who performs it and the audience that gets to view it. North Shore Music Theatre's current production features a bravura performance by Constantine Maroulis, a spectacularly gifted actor and singer who aces all aspects of this challenging role.

Racing from poignant hope to scalding rage, Maroulis sweeps the audience into a breathtaking journey as good faces evil in the single body of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his terrifying alter-ego Edward Hyde. His singing voice has a remarkable range, including mellow tenor, beautiful falsetto, and nerve-shattering baritone blasts of rage, and he performs an unforgettable "This Is The Moment" in Act I.

There is a remarkable "duet" performed in Act II by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The "Confrontation" between ego and alter-ego is razor-sharp and done to perfection by Maroulis. His mesmerizing performance on its own should get you over to Beverly. But wait, there's more.

Diana DeGarmo, another gifted singer, creates a sensual and touching Lucy, the prostitute who falls in love with Dr. Jekyll. There is a gorgeous duet in Act II, "In His Eyes" featuring DeGarmo and another fine singer, Tess Primack, a powerful soprano who plays Jekyll's fiance Emma.

There are many beautiful moments in this melodic score, and many fine singers to do them justice. Everyone in this large cast is blessed with first-rate singing voices leading to wonderful contrapuntal small group numbers.

Handsome Tom Galantich is elegant and poised as Jekyll's concerned lawyer Gabriel John Utterson, with a nice singing voice on display in several ensemble numbers.

Jim Brochu, as the father of Jekyll's fiance, has a touching duet with his daughter Emma in "Letting Go."

Alison England creates an earthy and hardy performance as Nellie, the tavern hostess for a string of prostitutes, and another fine vocal performance.

Michael Padgett is intensely physical as The Spider, and also a fine singer.

Act I begins with the stunning visual impact of the large ensemble, each costumed to perfection to accent their different roles in society and their markedly different physical presences. Full of tall, graceful gentry wearing their finest, their height accentuated by street people hunched over in odd oval positions, the show's first scene is visually mesmerizing.

Kelli Barclay has created intriguingly original choreography and director Robert Cuccioli brings his experience as the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the 1997 Broadway production to bear in this well-directed year 2018 version.

Every member of this cast uses fine vocal skills that add up to an unforgettable evening in the theater, but don't bring young children to this adult show.

IF YOU GO

"Jekyll & Hyde" continues at North Shore Music Theatre through Oct. 7 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinees are at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Free audience enrichment events include Meet the Theatre, a post-show audience discussion with the artists on Oct. 2 after the 7:30 p.m. performance and Oct. 6 after the 2 p.m. matinee. OUT at the North Shore is an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception on Oct. 4 after the 7:30 p.m. performance.

Ticket prices are from $59 to $84. For tickets and information call 978-232-7200, visit nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.